The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) says it is impressed with the quality of boxers at the ongoing 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt.

NBF secretary Patrick Uwagbale said that the performance of the boxers had surpassed his expectations.

He also lauded the performance of the referees and judges, saying they were equally outstanding.

Uwagbale added that the NBF had already listed eight boxers for invitation for preparations for the All Africa Games (AAG) in Mozambique.

“What we have seen so far in this competition has surpassed our expectations.
“We have 32 states participating in the competition and it’s been quite thrilling.

“It has been knockouts galore and a demonstration of boxing skills by the boxers on parade,” he said.
Uwagbale also commended the coaches for their efforts which, he said, were reflected by their wards.

He attributed the sudden rise in the profile of the boxing at the festival to the recently-concluded International Olympic Committee-sponsored coaching clinic for coaches in Ibadan.

“It seems the coaches have wasted no time in imparting some of the things they were taught to their boxers.
“With more of such coaching clinics being organised regularly, boxing will be better off for it, Uwagbale said.